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6 months ago
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Legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren won the race to get his hands on a bespoke luxury watch commemorating Oleksandr Usyk's undisputed heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian defeated the Gypsy King in a blockbuster clash on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, winning via split decision after the judges scored the bout 115-112, 113-114, 114-113.
It meant that Usyk became the first boxer since Lennox Lewis in 1999 to unify the heavyweight division after taking the WBC title off Fury, which was added to his WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO titles.
To mark the momentous event, which was dubbed the 'Ring of Fire', watch makers Jacob & Co. - in collaboration with design studio Big Time Creative Shop, which is owned by General Entertainment Authority, a Saudi government department - crafted each fighter their their own unique timepiece.
In addition, a third bespoke watch was auctioned by Sotheby’s to raise money for Make-A-Wish International, an international children’s charity that grants wishes to kids living with a critical illness.
Boxing promoter Frank Warren won the race to get his hands on a bespoke luxury watch commemorating Oleksandr Usyk's undisputed heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury
The watch is made up of several intricate components to celebrate the world title fight
Watch makers Jacob & Co. crafted bespoke timepieces to mark the momentous occasion
The timepiece contains figurines of each of the boxers as well as red and blue gloves
And Warren, who is Fury's co-promoter, got his hands on this unique design after paying $800,000 (£630,000) at an auction ahead of the fight.
The 'Ring of Fire' watches were designed in tribute to the boxers, with each including figurines of the pair as well as red and blue boxing gloves.
The auction of the 'Ring of Fire' watch took place on Friday and was run by Sotheby's at Boulevard City in Riyadh.
Along with the high value watch, several other coveted boxing-themed items were available.
After winning the auction, Warren expressed his delight as he said: ‘I am thrilled to have acquired an iconic piece of boxing history.’
Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Sotheby's in Italy and Switzerland, added: 'On the eve of this historical sporting moment, it was an honour to represent Sotheby’s bringing down the gavel on this magnificent Jacob & Co. watch in aid of Make-A-Wish.
Gareth Jones of Sotheby's was responsible for running the auction which took place on Friday
Usyk defeated the Gypsy King via a split decision after an impressive display in Saudi Arabia
The victory meant the Ukrainian became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
'We hope the money raised will make a significant difference to the lives of children around the world living with critical illness.’
Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish also paid tribute to the auction on Friday as he said: 'Tomorrow the world will witness the most anticipated heavyweight boxing match of the century. However, children living with critical illnesses around the world are fighting bigger battles every day.
'With this incredible donation and the exceptional support of His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, Jacob & Co and Sotheby’s, many more children will be able to experience the healing power of the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish.'
English (US)